Scottish Bishop pays tribute to former MP who became a priest

Source: SCMO

Bishop William Nolan, the Bishop of Galloway has paid tribute to Fr George Thompson who died peacefully on 23 December 2016, aged 88 at Senwick Nursing Home in Borgue.

Bishop Nolan said: "Father George Thompson was a man whose life was inspired and motivated by a deep faith in Jesus Christ. A faith he put into practice by embracing three vocations: teaching, politics and the priesthood. In each of these he sought to serve God and to serve others. We give thanks to God for all the good that he did throughout his life."

Bishop Nolan added: "The people of Galloway have been blessed by his commitment to public service, but as Bishop of Galloway I am particularly grateful to him for his years of service as a priest. We commend Fr. George Thompson in our prayers to the loving mercy of God. May he rest in peace."

George Thompson was elected as the SNP MP for Galloway in the October 1974 General Election. Losing the seat in 1979 to the Conservative candidate, Ian Lang.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Galloway in St Teresa's, Dumfries, in 1989. He served as assistant in St Teresa's, Dumfries, as Parish Priest in St Margaret of Scotland in Irvine, and as Parish Priest in St Peter's, Dalbeattie. He retired in 2005.